Salinity is used to describe the "saltiness" of a water. It is the concentration of dissolved salts in water, typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or as a percentage. It is a critical property of water bodies, especially in oceans, seas, and estuaries, where it influences physical, chemical, and biological processes. Seawater, for instance, has an average salinity of about 35 ppt, meaning 35 grams of salt are dissolved in every kilogram of water. Salinity varies due to factors like evaporation, precipitation, river runoff, and ice formation or melting. High evaporation in arid regions increases salinity, while heavy rainfall or freshwater input from rivers decreases it. Salinity affects water density, which drives ocean currents and stratification, and it plays a key role in marine ecosystems, as many organisms are adapted to specific salinity ranges. It is measured using tools like conductivity meters or refractometers, and understanding salinity is essential for oceanography, climate studies, and managing aquatic environments.
